Pelham overcame a 35-17 third-quarter deficit to tie the game, 35-35, and force overtime, but was unable to hold on at Hillcrest-Tuscaloosa. A 41-yard field goal by Jeremy Sheffield gave the Patriots (8-2) a 38-35 victory.

The Panthers managed to send the game into overtime with a blocked field goal at the end of regulation.

Tripp Martin led the Panther’s offense, throwing for 180 yards and three touchdowns, as he connected with Shawn Lynch twice and Tyler Phelps once. Martin also added a touchdown with his legs and had a season-high 53 yards rushing.

HIllcrest picked up 30 first downs and more than 400 yards of offense in the game, while Pelham had 323 yards of offense and 18 first downs.

The Panthers (6-4) will travel back to Tusacloosa next Friday for the first round of the playoffs at Tuscaloosa County.